Rumor Has It in the Arts District…
April 7, 2012
I got news!! Just stopped by Handsome Roasters after a quick-lunch at The Pie Hole.
I liked both places very much. I can’t believe it’s taken me forever to get to both of them.
Since the reporter in me won’t stop asking questions, I found out a few businesses that are quite possibly going to lease space right next to Handsome Roasters on Mateo.
First off, a catering company called Heirloom-LA is looking to lease a restaurant space. With their humane “farm to plate” concept (and gourmet lasagna cupcakes), Heirloom-LA would most certainly be welcome in the Arts District. We need some place like this! Do it!!!
Secondly, a whiskey distillery is supposed to open in the same complex. This place would offer whiskey tastings.
Handsome currently bridges the space between Industrial St and the rest of the Arts District, and I’m excited for the bridge to get a little bit bigger. Pretty soon, I’ll be able to walk the neighborhood at night.
FYI-Matteo Sample Sale
December 5, 2011
Matteo Home is the best. In the past, duvet covers that retail for $500+ go for $50 at their sample sales. This is some fine bedding, ladies and gentleman. I’ll see you there.
That’s right! I can walk to the new bowling alley/entertainment zone in the Little Tokyo Galleria. I just finished eating a late dinner the other night at Honda Ya Izakaya when I saw the huge bowling alley banner. I am so excited!!! This mall is under-going a major renovation. A huge, new Korean bbq is moving in on the top floor, and an organic product store is now located on the floor below.
I’ve been visiting this mall for years. It houses the closest grocery store to my loft, and a couple of f my favorite restaurants in the area (not to mention a late night karoke bar and a small arcade with Japanese games).
And now, I can go bowling!!! See a rendering of the new Entertainment Zone below:
“The 50,000-square-foot entertainment hub will be anchored by a 24-lane bowling alley, a sports bar and a new “family restaurant.” *
Digging My Daily Dose
September 29, 2011
Every morning I get coffee on my way to work. Usually, I stop at one of my favorite local chains and get a vanilla latte. I started a new routine. I’ve been visiting the Arts District’s own Daily Dose. Okay, so maybe they don’t have vanilla syrup, and it takes a little longer to get your drink than it does at one of those chains. But, they serve Intelligentsia coffee. And,…I’m sure the agave is much better than the artificial vanilla sweetener I usually add to my latte.
The Daily Dose is located through an adorable alleyway on Industrial St. The seating is also located outside. DD definitely doesn’t feel like it’s in LA. It’s a magical spot that feels a bit like a hidden cafe somewhere in Europe. There’s free wifi, and the location provides tons of creative inspiration.
I live just a hop, skip and a jump away from DD. I can’t believe it took me so long to actually visit. Although I’ve been getting my coffee there quite frequently (as of late), it wasn’t until last weekend that I tried the food.
One of my best friends was in town from NYC, and really wanted some good coffee. I took her to DD. When we got there, we decided we were hungry. The owner, Sarkis Vartanian, (who is always there when I visit) recommended the scramble breakfast.
It took about 20 minutes to get our food. We enjoyed the coffee and the company while we waited. I recognized tons of people. There were neighbors everywhere! We were starving by the time Sarkis brought the food out. But, breakfast was such a treat! It really felt like we were guests at his home. The meal was delicious. I’m totally going back for food next weekend. I also want to try lunch. Their sandwiches are supposed to be amazing.
I’m so lucky to have such a sweet spot in my neighborhood.
Rumor Has It…In the Arts District
September 12, 2011
I heard a rumor they were shooting Batman: The Dark Knight Rises underneath the 6th street bridge. So, I found my way over to the set. That’s a true story….It was pretty clear, even a few blocks back, someone was shooting a $500 million movie. The other night, I talked to some of the set security guards on my way home from Villains Tavern. One of the guys was so mad he had to guard a generator, while most of the other security guys were getting to watch the action sequences with explosions. I tried to peep my way onto the set, but it was a very closed set. The paparazzi were practically hanging from the top of the bridge, hoping to get a $30,000 shot of Christian Bale or Anne Hathaway.
While I was at Villains, I heard another rumor. I heard that the same cats that run that place are re-vamping Bordello (the old Little Pedro’s). They are going to make it an arcade-type place where you can play skee-ball to win tickets, which translate into free drinks instead of free stuffed animals. Pretty rad idea. I hope it’s true.
The other thing I heard was that a pretty famous chef is attached to the new Gastro-Pub opening up in Royal Clayton’s space. I guess he is really sweet, but that’s all I know. I also received a letter from the Department of City Planning that states Yuval Bar-Zemmer and the Elizabeth Peterson Group are trying to rezone 1855 Industrial St. The new pub (replacing Clayton’s) intends on staying open until 2am. Also, this zoning request incorporates three separate spaces; a sit down restaurant; a bar/lounge with live music; and a gourmet market.
“Pursuant to Section 12.24-W, 1 of the Los Angeles Municipal Code, a Conditional Use Permit to allow 1) the sale and dispensing of a full line of alcoholic beverages for on-site consumption with a 3,912 sq ft restaurant (Studio 1), seating 157 patrons with hours of operation from 6am-2am daily; b) the sale and dispensing of a full line of alcoholic beverages for on-site consumption in conjunction with a 3,251 sq ft bar/lounge (studios 9 and 10), with live entertainment seating for 179 patrons with hours of operation from 4 pm to 2am Monday to Friday and 11am -2am Saturday and Sunday and c) the sale and dispensing of a full line of alcoholic beverages for off-site consumption in conjunction with an existing 2,394 sq ft gourmet shop (studios 5 and 6), seating 36 patrons with hours of operation from 6am-2am daily; all located within a six-story adaptive reuse live/work loft condominium building with 130 live/work units and three commercial units. “
The original Royal Clayton’s was only about 3,000 sq ft, so I don’t know where they are going to be getting this additional footage? I’m guessing the “studios” referenced above relate to this floorplan:
I already know of one concerned neighbor. I received a notice of a Public Hearing where said neighbor will appeal the Zoning Administrator’s approval.
Neighborhood News DTLA Arts District
June 11, 2011
Lots of Arts District News!
Nola’s Soul Food Kitchen to open this Summer. The new restaurant is replacing E3 Steakhouse (734 E 3rd St). I’m hoping for authentic yumminess.
Bloom’s General Store (716 Traction Ave) will reopen with a new name. At first the new owner was going to name it “Little Tokyo Shopette” Arts District Residents were not happy with the new name (as it’s in the AD not LT), so the new name is still being decided. It will still be a convenience store of sorts. More about Joel Bloom and the old Bloom’s General store here.
Also, there is news that the old Ay Caramba (714 Traction Ave) will be a pie shop! I hope it’s old-fashioned and fun.
And don’t forget about:
“Presented at 3rd Street and Traction Avenue in the Downtown Arts District, BloomfestLA offers live indie music, local artisan wares, and good food amidst a rotating outdoor gallery of street art by renowned artists.”
according to my friend Eliza who was there. She has impeccable taste, and her job requires she travel the Film Festival circuit around the world (that has to be like one of the best jobs ever!)
I had to share her recommendations because the films look so good. Thanks Eliza!
The Artist (a silent film about the silent era):
Drive ( starring Ryan Gosling as a professional stunt car driver by day, and a getaway driver by night). The clip below features the Arts District. I can even see my building in it! There’s some small geographical errors, but I’m still excited my neighborhood sees some action.
Yay! Finally some good movies to see.
DTLA:Where Anything Goes-Like Angel City Brewery
May 22, 2011
“We love it Downtown! Anything goes…,” one of my 23-year-old friends told me yesterday.
Earlier in the day, she posted on Facebook that she was going to be Downtown. I texted her, and it turns out she was in the city for the Red Bull Soapbox Race. We made plans to meet up at Angel City Brewery in the Arts District. I was excited to go, as I had never been–and it’s been open for over a month now. I once considered myself to be a sort of connoisseur of all things AD. I’ve lived here for about six years now, and I’ve seen this place change….grow into a real destination.
At night, the streets were once empty–looking like a city set. The AD is often used for filming–especially for creepy murder scenes on CSI. But now, the streets are rarely vacant. People come from all over–even the West Side (like my friend) to experience the art, energy and amazing food/drink DTLA has to offer-especially the Arts District.
I once had more time to explore my neighborhood But now, I’m so consumed with work, that I don’t have as much time for downtown adventures. I’d like to bring back my “Local Celebrity” posts. I’ve been planning an interview with Joseph Pitruzzelli (co-owner) of Wurstkuche (and basically, like,the mayor of the AD) for like a year now. It will happen eventually–I promise.
Sorry for the tangent; my point being that I’m kinda upset I haven’t been to Angel City Brewery earlier. It’s just down the street from Wurstkuche and has lots of free (yes, free!) parking.
At 27,000 sq ft, the place is huge. Apparently, the building was once a cable factory (the kind of cables that go on big bridges). The space is really industrial, which I adore.
Angel City is open Thursday-Sunday (see website for details). They don’t sell food, just yummy, locally-brewed beer. The beer is only $5 for a pint of one of the four selections on tap.
You can get food from food-trucks that park outside the building. The space hosts music and art events.
Right now there is a Street Art exhibit going on in conjunction with the MOCA exhibit. Becca and Saber are some of the artists who have pieces for sale in the gallery. Actually, the whole space is like a gallery (see photos above). And, there’s a giant slide.
You’re not supposed to climb up or down the slide–but I think they should open it up and make it a centerpiece attraction- like Trail Dust Steakhouse in Denver (I’ll never forget that old slide).
I mean the whole operational slide would fit perfectly into my description of Angel City Brewery. The only way I can describe the place is like an indoor park. It’s so spacious, and there’s picnic tables for seating. You can even bring your own picnic dinner. They should add some see-saws and monkey bars. It would be perfect! I mean, it’s Downtown–where anything goes, right?
Art in the Streets @MOCALosangeles
April 24, 2011
I’m a huge fan of street art. My friend Matt introduced me to the beauty of graffiti and other urban art ages ago. We’d drive around town and look for new work. I actually think that’s how I ended up finding my loft in the Arts District six years ago. No one would come over here. It was pretty bare–except for the walls of the old buildings, which were decorated with spray paint. I fell in love with the industrial part of the city.
Shortly after I moved into my loft, I traveled to France, where I discovered one of my favorite street artists- Fafi. I used one of her pieces as the inspiration for my commercial design thesis.
I’m still so inspired by the work I see on the streets. Right now, The Geffen Contemporary at MOCA as an exhibit completely devoted to Street Art. If you get a chance–you simply must check out this collection. It’s more of an experience than merely a trip to the museum.
See below for my experience in photos:
Reinventing Recycling Through Art
April 6, 2011
I just ran into one of my super cool neighbors in the elevator. He told me about his awesome job. He’s part of the Global Inheritance team. He invited me to a rad “TRASHed” party-TOMORROW NIGHT in Hollywood. See invitation above. It’s a preview party for this year’s Coachella TRASHed recycling bins. I wish I knew about this organization earlier. Last month they had a call for artists for this year’s Coachella Festival. I totally would have submitted an idea. There’s always next year! (Moral of the story-talk to your neighbors in the elevator more often. Put your iphone away, and make a real, live connection. It’s fun -and you may learn something.)
“The TRASHed :: Art Of Recycling campaign is an ongoing recycling education program that redefines the way people view recycling and trash collection. Global Inheritance arranges the artistic redesign of recycling bins, then integrates the bins at high visibility events to encourage recycling and provide additional outlets for people to appreciate the artwork. Live paintings often occur at events in addition to the ongoing display of artist bins created beforehand.
TRASHed appoints the right talent to match each event’s aesthetic. Artists who have worked with us in the past include: pro-skateboarder Bob Burnquist, artists from Volcom and RVCA, rock musicians Blink-182, pro-surfer Jodie Nelson, Freestyle Motocross rider Mike Metzger, artists like Mear One and Freddi C., author Hunter S. Thompson, and many more.
Events: Coachella Music Festival ESPN Summer & Winter X Games Treasure Island Music Festival Virgin Festival Canada & USA National History Museum – LA Outside Lands Music & Arts Festival Hollywood Bowl CMJ Music Marathon Dew Tour Epicenter Music Festival Live Earth Sundance Film Festival Swerve Festival SXSW and many more.”
Also, check out the Global Inheritance Recycling Store….get free stuff just by collecting recyclable material.
*images from Global Inheritance.
